22.04.2026 21:10
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, made a statement regarding the indefinite ceasefire declared by U.S. President Trump. Ghalibaf said, 'A complete ceasefire is meaningful only if it is not violated by the maritime blockade and hostage-taking that holds the world's economy hostage, and if the Zionists' war provocations on all fronts are stopped; the opening of the Strait of Hormuz is not possible with an obvious violation of the ceasefire.'
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made important statements regarding the indefinite ceasefire declared by US President Trump. Ghalibaf stated that for the ceasefire to have real meaning, the maritime blockade must be lifted and military tensions in the region must completely cease, expressing that lasting peace is not possible as long as economic pressures continue.
"A COMPLETE CEASEFIRE HAS MEANING WITH THE LIFTING OF THE MARITIME BLOCKADE"
Ghalibaf said: "A complete ceasefire has meaning only if it is not violated by the maritime blockade that holds the world's economy hostage and its capture, and if the Zionists' war provocations on all fronts are stopped; the opening of the Strait of Hormuz is not possible with an obvious violation of the ceasefire.
They could not achieve their goals through military aggression, nor will they achieve them through bullying. The only way is to recognize the rights of the Iranian nation."
On the other hand, Trump, speaking to the New York Post, claimed that contacts with the Iranian side are progressing positively.
STATEMENT FROM PEZESHKIAN
Iranian President Pezeshkian made the following statement: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been and will continue to be in favor of dialogue and agreement. Bad faith, blockade, and threat are the main obstacles to real negotiation. The world sees your hypocritical rhetoric and the contradictions between your claims and your actions."
TRUMP: PROGRESS/BREAKTHROUGH IN NEGOTIATIONS COULD OCCUR WITHIN 72 HOURS
Trump announced that the second round of negotiations between the parties could take place this Friday. The US President said, "Progress/breakthrough in negotiations could occur within 36-72 hours." In possible talks, the security of maritime trade in the region and restrictions on nuclear activities are expected to be the most critical topics on the table.
IRAN: WE HAVE NOT YET DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi announced that Tehran has not decided to participate in the second round of talks with the US. Bekayi stated that they could go to Islamabad if the talks are in line with national interests.
TRUMP HAD EXTENDED THE CEASEFIRE INDEFINITELY
US President Donald Trump announced that, also at Pakistan's request, he decided to extend the ceasefire until Iran presents its proposal regarding the agreement.
US President Trump made an important statement from his Truth Social account while uncertainty regarding negotiations with Iran continues.
Trump argued that the Iranian administration is "divided," and announced that he extended the temporary ceasefire, which was due to end today, taking into account Pakistan's request regarding the ceasefire as well.
In his statement, US President Trump used the following expressions: "Due to the fact that the Iranian administration is in serious division and upon the request from Pakistan from Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as well, it was requested that we suspend our attack on Iran until their leaders and representatives present a joint proposal. Therefore, I have instructed our army to maintain the blockade and remain ready in all aspects; hence, I will extend the ceasefire until (Iran's) proposal is presented and negotiations conclude in some way."
IRAN'S FIRST COMMENT ON THE US'S CEASEFIRE DECISION
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi, regarding the US's unilateral decision to extend the ceasefire, said, "We will take a step when we conclude that a logical and necessary ground has been formed to fulfill Iran's interests and consolidate the gains of the Iranian people."
According to the Iranian press, Bekayi made statements regarding the extension of the ceasefire.
Stating that Iran closely monitors developments on the ground and will take necessary measures to protect its national interests, Bekayi said, "The Iranian Armed Forces are also ready to protect the country against any kind of threat and attack. Diplomacy is a tool to ensure national interests and security. We will take a step when we conclude that using this tool has formed a logical and necessary ground to fulfill Iran's interests and consolidate the gains of the Iranian people."
Bekayi also noted that his country will utilize all opportunities and means to hold "aggressors and war criminals" accountable and obtain compensation.